Ryan Poles didn’t have to think much about his first pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The Chicago Bears GM knew about a month before it began that USC quarterback Caleb Williams would be the selection. They held the #1 pick. There was no drama to be found. No, the real sweating began once the focus shifted to the #9 overall pick. Poles and his staff knew one thing. They wanted Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze. However, they need some good fortune for that to happen.
The real drama for them sat between picks #6-8. Poles knew the New York Giants would likely take a receiver. Co-director of player personnel Jeff King believed it would be Malik Nabers. After that, they had to worry about what the Tennessee Titans would do at #7. If Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt was gone, there was a risk they might trade down, allowing another team to possibly come up for Odunze. Last but not least was the Atlanta Falcons at #8. There were any number of directions they could go. Most expected a pass rusher to help their defense, but the possibility was there that they might seek another weapon for Kirk Cousins.
So when Atlanta took Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., everybody was shocked. The look on Poles’ face said it all. That is when the celebration began. It was all caught on camera in the Bears’ latest episode of 1920 Football Drive.
His gut told him New York would ultimately take Odunze. It made sense. His character was outstanding, and he had certain qualities as a wide receiver that would be terrific for a struggling quarterback like Daniels Jones. Besides, the Giants already had a speedy threat at the position with Jalin Hyatt. In the end, they opted for the more explosive option anyway. Poles knew after the Titans took Alabama tackle JC Latham that the Bears’ odds were strong that Odunze would reach them. Penix going to Atlanta was just an extra dash of drama.
Chicago should be excited. Ryan Poles’ conviction on Odunze is a great sign. Usually, when this GM has unshakable confidence in a player, he’s proven right. It was that way with Kyler Gordon in 2022 and again with Darnell Wright last year. Gordon is already one of the better nickel corners in the league. Wright was the best rookie offensive tackle in the league. Odunze was a slam-dunk choice for the Bears. It puts their offense in a position it hasn’t seen in at least a decade.
